Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Reading, Massachusetts
All waiting lists in Reading are currently closed. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 1 housing authority serving Reading, Massachusetts and updates statuses nightly. Below you will find every PHA in the area with current waitlist status, program types, and direct application links.
If no lists are currently open in Reading, we recommend applying to nearby cities as well. There is no limit to the number of waiting lists you can join, and many housing authorities accept applications from non-residents.
Affordable Housing in Reading, Massachusetts
Reading, Massachusetts is served by 1 housing authority offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Currently, all waitlists in Reading are closed. Openings can happen with as little as 48 hours notice, so monitoring is critical. There are also 412 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Reading include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Mainstream, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing, RAD.
Open Lists Nearby
While no waitlists are open in Reading right now, there are 412 open lists within 50 miles. Most housing authorities accept applications from non-residents, so applying in neighboring cities is a practical strategy. Scroll down to "Nearby Cities" below for options.
About Housing in Reading, Massachusetts
Affordable housing assistance in Reading, Massachusetts is primarily provided by the Reading Housing Authority. This authority manages programs designed to help income-eligible individuals and families find stable housing within the community. Currently, all 6 of the housing authority's waiting lists are closed, with no new applications being accepted at this time. Programs available in Reading include Affordable Rentals, Housing Choice Voucher (HCV), Mainstream, Other housing programs, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing, and Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD).
There are approximately 128 assisted housing units in the Reading area. Eligibility for these programs is based on household income. For example, a family of four may be considered "Very Low Income" if their annual household earnings are at or below $82,700, according to the FY2025 income limits for the Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, MA-NH HUD Metro FMR Area. The Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) oversees housing programs statewide. Given that all waiting lists are currently closed, prospective applicants should regularly check with the Reading Housing Authority for updates on when application periods might reopen. Understanding specific program requirements and income qualifications will be important for future applications.
How to Apply for Section 8 in Reading
To apply for housing assistance in Reading, Massachusetts, submit an application directly to Reading Housing Authority, the housing authority serving this area. All waitlists are currently closed, but openings happen with as little as 48 hours notice. Applications are always free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
Before applying, gather the following documents for all household members: government-issued photo ID, Social Security cards, birth certificates for minors, proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, benefit statements), and proof of current address. For a family of four in this area, income must be below $82,700/year (Very Low Income threshold) to qualify for most programs. Having these ready before a waitlist opens can be the difference between getting on the list and missing the window.
Housing programs available in Reading include Other, Mainstream, RAD, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Affordable Rentals. Applying to multiple program types simultaneously improves your chances of receiving assistance. After submitting, you will be placed on the waiting list based on the date of your application and any applicable preferences (veterans, elderly, disabled, working families, or local residents).
Reading, Massachusetts Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Reading, Massachusetts, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, MA-NH HUD Metro FMR Area area. A family of four must earn less than $82,700 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $160,900.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $34,750 | $57,900 | $92,650 |
| 2 Persons | $39,700 | $66,200 | $105,850 |
| 3 Persons | $44,650 | $74,450 | $119,100 |
| 4 Persons | $49,600 | $82,700 | $132,300 |
| 5 Persons | $53,600 | $89,350 | $142,900 |
| 6 Persons | $57,550 | $95,950 | $153,500 |
| 7 Persons | $61,550 | $102,550 | $164,100 |
| 8 Persons | $65,500 | $109,200 | $174,650 |
How do income limits affect my eligibility?
Housing authorities in Reading use these income limits to determine who qualifies for rental assistance. Your total household income before taxes is compared against the limit for your household size.
Very Low Income (50% AMI) — Most Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and Public Housing programs require your income to be at or below this level. This is the primary eligibility threshold.
Extremely Low Income (30% AMI) — Households at this level often receive priority on waiting lists. By law, housing authorities must allocate a portion of vouchers to extremely low-income families.
Low Income (80% AMI) — Some programs, including Project-Based Vouchers and locally funded initiatives, accept applicants up to this threshold. Contact individual housing authorities below for their specific requirements.
Nearby Cities with Housing Authorities
Applying to nearby cities increases your chances of receiving assistance sooner. These cities are within 75 miles of Reading and have active housing programs.